Football legend Dimitar Berbatov shared his enchanting experience in Malta. The former Manchester United star expressed his fondness for the picturesque island, attributing its allure to the sun, warm weather, and breathtaking views. Berbatov praised the welcoming locals, delectable cuisine, and the overall sense of peace he felt during his visit. Delving into the flexibility of Maltese eateries, he commended their ability to cater to diverse dietary preferences. The interview also touched on Berbatov's interaction with Manchester United supporters in Malta, providing a glimpse into the camaraderie that transcends borders and football stadiums.  

 

The Mediterranean paradise is ahead of the curve

  With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, one of the highest in Europe, it’s no surprise Malta is popular amongst British travellers, but the island is more than just a Mediterranean paradise. Leading the way across top 2024 travel trends such as set jetting and cultural tourism. Below, discover what makes Malta a top destination for 2024.   Set-Jetting – Gladiator 2, Napoleon and Troy   New research reveals that more than a third (37%) of British travellers have previously visited a destination because a favourite film or TV show has been filmed there, with a further 45% of those surveyed who haven’t travelled expressing a desire to do so.   As a nation we love nothing more than getting settled on the sofa and being whisked away to an exotic paradise (both fictional and otherwise) through the power of film and television, leaving many of us with a burning desire to visit these locations ourselves (90%).   Thanks to the plethora of entertainment available at our fingertips, and the rise in the nation’s binge-watching habits, movie tourism or ‘set-jetting’ as it’s better known is a trend that is continuing to grow.   From Sci-Fi’s (31%) and drama’s (31%) to thrillers (30%) and rom-com’s (26%), fans of every style are interested in visiting their favourite destination from the big or small screen, however the genre that we would most like to get up close to are those of historical epic’s such as Gladiator, Troy, or this year’s next blockbuster, Napoleon (45%).   Directed by Ridley Scott and staring Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix, Napoleon is set to be released later this month and is the latest in a long line of hit movies to be filmed in Malta (along with Gladiator, Troy, and Jurassic World: Dominion amongst others).   The Malta Film Studios has been operating for more than half a century and is one of the largest production facilities in the world having serviced over 200 feature films, TV shows, documentaries, and commercials.   Culture Tourism – Malta’s Inaugural Biennale   A nation of ‘culture vultures’, cultural enrichment is high on the list for Brits looking to get away this winter. With Malta set to host its first art biennale, the archipelago is ready to offer something new to travellers.   New research reveals an overwhelming majority of Brits (93%) are interested in soaking up local arts and culture when holidaying abroad. Almost two thirds of those surveyed (63%) have visited a location because of the arts and cultural experiences they have on offer with a destination's cultural offering (61%) amongst the key considerations for Brits when deciding on where they holiday abroad.   With over 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage which is reflected in the country’s national architecture and collections, so much so that the nation’s capital – Valletta, was named European Capital of Culture in 2018 becoming the first world heritage city to achieve this. The survey reveals that four in five of us (81%) would be more inclined visit a destination if it was given the title of 'European Capital of Culture' positioning Malta, and Valletta in particular, as a fantastic destination for Brits looking to get away for some cultural enrichment this winter.   The islands are crammed with striking remnants of the past including ancient wonders built by Malta’s early inhabitants 5,000 years ago such as the medieval fortress city of Mdina with its foundations in the Bronze Age, and the forts and fortifications around the Grand Harbour built by the Knights of St John.   The arts also play a huge role in Maltese culture with The National Museum of Fine Arts exhibiting some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance, and the island’s theatres and opera houses offering a wide selection of plays, musicals, operas, and concerts. In 2024, Malta is to host their first art biennale, which has just been granted UNESCO Patronage and will further establish Malta’s credentials as a destination for art and culture enthusiasts.

  Visit Malta have relaunched the Malta Training Programme with refreshed content for travel agents and has signed up for Big Agent Rewards, showcasing the tourism board’s ongoing dedication to its travel partners.   “We have revamped our training portal to include a vast array of media tools,” says Peter Green, Visit Malta’s Trade Trainer, UK & Ireland, “such as social ready videos, a new impetus on events both in Malta and events in the UK that we will attend.”   With the relaunch, agents will have access to four brand-new courses with three more due to go live by the end of the year. The platform also features a new badge system, in conjunction with the Rewards program, to identify key agents undertaking training and delivering on bookings with the aim to offer them a coveted place on future Malta Academy Fam trips.   The tourism board has already seen 44 new agents register in the last week with 107 courses completed. Overall, the platform has over 1000 UK and Irish agents registered and trained.   Speaking of the training platform’s future, Green adds, “We’ll also be launching a new webinar series for 2024.”   Visit Malta have also signed up for Big Agent Rewards, a programme run by fast-growing trade media brand Travel Gossip. Agents earn points for securing bookings to Malta, with additional points available for supplementary bookings such as overnights in Gozo, Air Malta flights and excursions. Visit Malta have signed up until the end of 2023 and will be choosing an agent each month to join the 2024 Malta Academy Fam trip. Runners-up will receive a Gastronomy Goody Bag which includes a bottle of Maltese wine, candles and a Maltese cookbook.   “Visit Malta is dedicated to giving our travel partners the tools they need to succeed,” says Lindsey Thorpe, Marketing Promotions Manager for Visit Malta. “These initiatives show our dedication to supporting hard-working agents and their loyal clientele.”

EuroPride 2023 is taking place through 17^th September, bringing a celebration of love, diversity and inclusion to Malta. It is set to be a spectacular event, hosted in the Mediterranean holiday hotspot of Malta. Top highlights include Christina Aguilera's EuroPride concert. Check out must-visit places to eat, what to do and why Malta was chosen as host destination.   Why Malta? Malta, with its picturesque landscapes, history, and commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, is the perfect host for EuroPride 2023. The island nation legalised same-sex marriage in 2017 and has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in the region since. For an eighth year in a row, Malta occupies the number one spot on the Rainbow Europe Index, which monitors both the positive and negative impacts on the LGBTQ community. The Index considers a wide range of factors, including legal gender recognition, family and marital issues and rights to asylum. It logged a score of 89.29%. Malta also ranked first place in the world on the gay travel index by Spartacus.   Key Festival Events   LGBTIQ+ Human Rights Conference – (September 13 – 15) Explore beyond European LGBTIQ+ equality at this conference which will discuss progress and challenges across the Mediterranean region. Organised by the Human Rights Directorate, it's an opportunity to share experiences and strengthen the pursuit of equality.   The EuroPride March (September 16) Gather in the streets of Floriana and Valletta for the EuroPride March, a powerful declaration of equality and inclusion. Celebrate with thousands of participants, waving flags, banners, and uplifting chants.   The EuroPride Concert ft. Christina Aguilera (September 16) Get ready for an extraordinary concert at The Granaries, Floriana, with Christina Aguilera headlining.   Where to Eat Rubino Restaurant (Valletta) This charming restaurant in the heart of Valletta serves traditional Maltese cuisine with a modern twist. Try their rabbit stew or fresh seafood dishes amid historic surroundings. Ta' Kris (Sliema) Ta' Kris is a cozy restaurant known for its authentic Maltese food. Don't miss the opportunity to taste their rabbit in wine sauce or bragioli (beef olives). Trabuxu Bistro (Valletta) Located in a 400-year-old building, Trabuxu Bistro offers a unique dining experience. They serve Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine, and their homemade desserts are a must-try. Il-Kartell Restaurant (Gozo) Il-Kartell is known for its authentic Gozitan cuisine. Try their delicious ftira, a traditional Gozitan bread, and other local specialties.   Things to Do Outside the Festival Europe's Best Diving Destination Repeatedly voted Europe's number one diving destination, Malta has placed additional historical wreck sites on its diving map. Providing a clear blue sea which boasts an abundance of reefs, caverns and caves, dive sites are ideal for both beginner and advanced divers. Diving enthusiasts can arrange to visit wreck sites by appointment with The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU). These incredible locations range from a 2,700-year-old Phoenician shipwreck to WWI battleships and dozens of aircraft crash sites. For more information on a diving trip to Malta visit PADI Travel.   Sunset boat ride at Dwejra Bay Home of the treasured Fungus Rock, visitors can take a boat trip through this natural tunnel in the cliffs. Once outside the tunnel, the cliffs rise dramatically out of the water with several caves and grottos dotting the coast. Here, you'll also find one of the most spectacular dive sites in Europe, the Blue Hole, which was formed naturally by the wind and the waves.   Explore the countryside on horseback Just northwest of Mosta, on the road to St Paul's Bay, Bidnija rests as a small village offering great ways to explore the Maltese countryside by leisurely walks or horse rides. Also found in Bidnija is the 20^th Century church, fully constructed by the village residents, as well as the oldest trees found in Malta that still produce olives to this day.   Walk Dingli Cliffs Head to the highest point on the mainland on the quieter north-west coast where you'll find the Dingli Cliffs. At over 250 metres above sea level, views extend out to the tiny island of Filfla on a clear day, and the cliffs themselves stretch from just above the Blue Grotto up to Bahrija, which has excellent trails through wine-growing country. It's also possible to abseil here with Gozo Adventures or take a Segway ride with Malta Segway Tours.   Explore Malta's Golden Age from Three Cities to Valletta And Fort St. Angelo History buffs can explore the legacy of the Knights of St John throughout Malta. The Knights 250-year rule began in Three Cities and Fort St Angelo, before they built the fortified city of Valletta after the Great Siege of 1565. Visitors to the islands can learn about the valiant battles that took place, explore the architectural feats including Baroque palaces and churches the Knights.   Cycle Around Malta Cycling along the craggy edge of Malta West coast offers visitors the opportunity to experience the sites of the picturesque Blue Grotto and stunning Dingli Cliffs, Cyclists can also explore Gozo, stopping to take in the island's 360-degree views from the top of the Citadel fortification in Victoria before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples. These are the oldest free-standing temples in the world. For more information on renting bikes in Malta visit: Be Green Malta.   MC Adventures in Malta Adrenaline junkies can get their fix with MC Adventures, Malta's leading extreme sports provider. The Maltese islands are an adventure lover's playground, offering an expansive range of extreme activities including abseiling, freefalling and ziplining to name but a few.  Visit: https://mcadventure.com.mt/your-first-step-to-a-great-adventure.html   Watersports – sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding Malta offers year-round warm waters and excellent visibility for snorkelling at the Blue Lagoon. Visitors wanting to swim further out to sea can charter a sailing boat. For a tranquil morning or afternoon on the water, go kayaking and paddle boarding to explore the coastline which boasts varied topography and calm waters. Adrenaline junkies can also try flyboarding off Malta's shores. Those who are brave enough to tackle the sport are lifted into the air over the water as they try to hold their balance to quite literally walk on water.

  The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, granted its patronage to maltabiennale.art, which will be held in Malta for the first time in 2024. UNESCO's patronage is considered as a high form of recognition for this art festival, which has already garnered a strong and encouraging global response from artists, and is clearly set to become Malta’s focal cultural event of 2024.   Through contemporary art, maltabiennale.art will be investigating the Mediterranean, reflected in the theme for the biennale's first edition: Baħar Abjad Imsaġar taż-Żebbuġ (White Sea Olive Groves). The biennale will unfold across Malta and Gozo, mainly within Heritage Malta's historic sites, many of which have been declared by UNESCO as being World Heritage Sites, including the capital Valletta and Gozo's Ġgantija Megalithic Temple Complex   UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay expressed how UNESCO's aims are perfectly reflected in maltabiennale.art's dialogue between Mediterranean art and cultures, and how this led the organisation to grant its patronage to the maltabiennale.art 2024.   Maltabiennale.art 2024 will be opening its doors on the 11^th March 2024, and will welcome visitors until the end of May 2024. The event will be officially inaugurated by the President of Malta, his Excellency Dr. George Vella.

Visit Malta has hailed new Jet2 Belfast flights for summer 2024. Belfast flights will be available via Jet2 with weekly seasonal service from 28 March 2024 through 31 October 2024. Tolene van der Merwe, Visit Malta Director UK & Ireland said “We welcome the investment from Jet2 into Belfast and adding Malta exclusively to their product program.” “This is an important market for us.” Visit Malta will be conducting a number of agency visits and training sessions in Northern Ireland over the course of the year and into 2024. Agents new to selling Malta can access the Malta Training Programme.

Due to a stronger than-forecasted year, they have updated arrivals from low 1 million to 2 million for 2022. Recovery has been assisted by the full return of the airlift. Local residents have been resentful of over-tourism, necessitating a change in the tourism product to make sure it serves the locals. Thus a focus is being placed on nitch tourism (i.e. sports, cultural, etc.). Malta has also been encouraging restaurants to source locally produced foods, which is a criterion for Micheline ratings.

  VisitMalta will once again be the official Destination Partner of Manchester United as the Malta Tourism Authority and the Club announce they are renewing their partnership agreement with the Club promoting Malta as a tourist destnation to its 1.1 billion followers worldwide.   Manchester United and Malta have a strong connection, characterised by a long history with Malta proudly hosting the oldest international Manchester United supporters’club.   Through this partnership agreement, the VisitMalta brand will benefit from strong exposure during the Club’s home matches and digital marketing channels, social media and also on printed media worldwide. The news of the renewal was announced at a special press event held at Old Trafford in Manchester, in the presence of Hon Clayton Bartolo, Minister for Tourism, Mr Anthony Gatt, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Tourism, and Mr Carlo Micallef, CEO of the MTA.   “Reaffirming VisitMalta as the Official Destination Partner of Manchester United will lead to an increase in visibility and marketing coordination on an unprecedented level for the Maltese Islands not just in Europe but in other long-haul markets such as America, Asia and the Middle East. I am optimistic that this partnership agreement will cement Malta’s prospects in establishing itself as a central hub for sports tourism excellence in the years to come,” outlined Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo.   “During the months of the pandemic, the MTA had to think out of the box to maximise the potential of this partnership, in a time when sport worldwide was at a standstill. This was done through various initiatives, of a digital nature, aimed at giving visibility, engagement and exposure to the beauty of the Maltese Islands across Manchester United’s fanbase around the world, especially in the Asian region, where Manchester United is recognised as one of the strongest sports clubs. As we go into the next five years of this partnership agreement, we look forward to exploring previously-untapped opportunities to continue maximising on this international partnership,” Mr Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority stated.   Manchester United’s Director of Alliances and Partnerships, Ali Edge, said:   “Manchester United and Malta share such a rich history and we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with VisitMalta.   “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved during the first years of the partnership, especially during a time where international travel was restricted, and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership for many years to come.”   Manchester United’s Partnership Performance Director, Liam McManus, said:   “Since launching the VisitMalta partnership together we have has successfully provided continual top of mind awareness for Malta as a premium travel destination. This helped to build a strong foundation to ideally position Malta to rebound from a period of disruption and quickly recover post-pandemic.”   VisitMalta will also continue to encourage Manchester United fans from all over the world to explore the beauty and versatility of the Maltese Islands thanks to specifically-targeted travel offers made available on visitmalta.com.   “VisitMalta will be extending the Manchester United experience making it available to up and coming local football players thanks to collaborations with the Manchester United Soccer Schools, building on the experience which we have given to young local footballers last year.” MTA CEO Mr Carlo Micallef added.

Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is celebrating National Travel Agent Day UK on 22 July 2022 with a new competition to win five spots on next year’s Megafam. Open to all UK agents, MTA is offering double the chances of winning one of five spots on the trip. Agents can either enter by joining the closed Facebook Group Visit Malta Trade or by making a booking to Malta with Mercury Holidays. This year heralded the first Malta Academy Megafam where 30 travel agent partners from the UK and Ireland attended a three day on-island adventure. A supporter of National Travel Agent Day UK since its inception three years ago, MTA is a big supporter off the UK travel trade, with regular rewards, events, training, and support. Tolene van der Merwe, Malta Tourism Authority’s Director UK & Ireland said: “Travel agents are hugely important to us, and we love the concept of National Travel Agent Day UK.” “We are incredibly grateful for their continued support in recommending Malta, Gozo and Comino to UK holidaymakers.” Agents can enter via MTA Trade Facebook Page or make a booking to Malta with Mercury holidays by the 19 August with two spaces allocated via Facebook and three spaces given to the top selling agencies via Mercury Holidays. Winners will be chosen by the Malta Tourism Authority UK office and will receive a place on the Malta Academy Megafam 2023.

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has hosted its first academy for travel agents. MTA hosted 30 UK and Ireland travel agent partners attending a three day on-island event, offering activities designed to focus on themes including: gastronomy, adventure, history and luxury. During the trip, which took place on 1 - 4 April, and was based at Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa, St. Julian’s, the travel agents had the chance to enjoy experiences and attend workshops on each theme. Itinerary highlights included a visit to the Zafrana Boutique Winery; heritage visits to the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples; a tour of Valletta, Malta’s capital, and a foraging experience with Tulliera, a rehabilitation project in Delimara offering a farm-to-fork concept. Natalie Swinburne, Trade Marketing Manager, UK & Ireland said: “The importance of the trade has continued to strengthen, and this mega fam was a great opportunity to educate agents and encourage them to experience for themselves.” Travel agents can keep up to date on Malta’s trade information via the Visit Malta UK Trade Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/VisitMaltaTrade

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Party Hard Travel is set to launch Malta as a new destination for 2022 in April It marks the launch with a 10-day content creators’ takeover at the new Bora-Bora Ibiza Malta. Up to 100 content creators and influencers will be hosted by Party Hard Travel during the takeover at the Bora-Bora Ibiza Malta, which opened on 31 March 2022. The creators will experience the opening parties for the destination and different venues across the island, including Sky Club, Bora-Bora Playa Beach Club and the Med Asia Playa. It will also mark the launch of Champagne Sessions with Ellie Sax and BTAY performing live at Bora-Bora Beach Club. Party Hard Travel’s co-founder Nathan Cable said: “We’re giving content creators the chance to join us for the opening parties and be amongst the first to experience our newest Party Hard Travel destination.” At the takeover, Party Hard is launching a new competition for a seven night party holiday for up to three guests including the Ultimate Events Package with VIP Upgrades. Influencer activity is key to Party Hard Travel’s marketing strategy for 2022, with the launch of Party Hard TV on YouTube. Natalie Swinburne, Trade Marketing Manager at Malta Tourism Authority said: “We are very excited that Party Hard Travel has introduced Malta as a new destination. Malta has a thriving nightlife scene, a huge calendar of events and festivals as well as year-round sunshine and plenty of outdoor activities.”

Malta is proceeding with its Covid-19 exit roadmap as planned. Despite increase in daily cases region-wide, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says Malta had the lowest rate of Covid-related ITU occupancy across the EU. This, and the majority of the Maltese population having now received the third dose of the vaccine, will lead to further relaxing of measures. From Monday 11 April, incoming travellers from a country on the red list will be allowed in with a negative PCR test (taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival) or a recognised Covid recovery certificate which should not be older than 180 days. Apart from this, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister also announced from 10 April, a vaccine certificate is no longer needed for persons to attend standing outdoor events, or seated indoor events. “The decision to ease further restrictions related to travel continues to be a turning point in the Government’s efforts to drive the Maltese Islands back to normality,” said Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo. “This announcement will definitely continue to pave the way forward for the tourism sector to continue recovering after the pandemic. Persons who are not fully vaccinated will be able to visit Malta without the need for mandatory quarantine,” said Johann Buttigieg, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority. “This is great news for the tourism industry and we look forward to welcoming everyone back”